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Changes underway: Northern Michigan to WCHA

Conference affiliation changes in Division I are not limited to the Super League.

Next up: Northern Michigan likely to return to the Western Collegiate Hockey Association.

Northern Michigan coach Walt Kyle said Monday he could not comment on the situation, but sources indicated an agreement could be reached at a WCHA meeting Friday, which would bring the Wildcats back in the WCHA by 2013-14.

It’s possible Alaska-Fairbanks of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association will be the next addition to the WCHA.

Northern Michigan, a member of the CCHA, was in the WCHA from 1984-85 through 1996-97, and was league champion in 1990-91.

The Wildcats were 15-19-5 last season and in 2009-10 were 20-13-8 and advanced to the NCAA playoffs.

If UAF goes to the WCHA and assuming WMU and Notre Dame leave for the new conference or Hockey East the remaining CCHA would be at 3 teams (LSSU, Ferris, BG). At that point they might as well all go to the same conference. Even with Huntsville 4 teams would not be enough.

If UAF goes to the WCHA and assuming WMU and Notre Dame leave for the new conference or Hockey East the remaining CCHA would be at 3 teams (LSSU, Ferris, BG). At that point they might as well all go to the same conference. Even with Huntsville 4 teams would not be enough.

Kevin – I read in the DNT that Coach Sandelin’s mother passed away the other day. Please let the coach know that those of us in BULLDOG country wish his family the best at this time! She must have been a great lady to have raised such a solid citizen! Rest in peace Mrs. Sandelin.

If the CCHA drops down to the three teams you mentioned then the rumors are Mercyhurst, Canisius, Robert Morris, and Niagara leave to join the CCHA. That would create an eight team league if they take UAH. The AHA becomes weaker but still has enough teams to have a viable conference and the reduction in travel costs play well into the league philosophy of cost containment.